Lately, there has been a lot of controversy over whether the ketogenic diet causes “keto crotch”. (As a side effect of it)
Madam, do you think “keto crotch” is a fact or just a rumour? Or is the emergence of this term intended to arouse some anxiety and suspicion among women … to deter them from trying the keto diet?
In this article, we discuss whether keto crotch is a real thing? In addition to some important tips that will help you if you think you suffer from keto crotch?
Is keto crotch a real thing?
* Brief information about the keto diet
The ketogenic diet is a popular diet that was first used to treat patients with epilepsy (especially in children in the 1920s) but is now increasingly popular as an effective way to lose weight and control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
It is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet that emphasizes high consumption of meat, cheese, fatty fish and other animal products.
But before answering what Keto Crotch is, you should know that the keto diet has many scientifically proven side effects, the most important of which are – keto flu, keto constipation, and keto diarrhoea.
Note: Some people notice that they have increased vaginal odor and discharge on the keto diet.
* It should be noted that “keto crotch” has not shown scientific research proving that it is a side effect of the keto diet.
So it is possible that “keto crotch” is bacterial vaginosis (BV).
* What is bacterial vaginosis?
The vagina usually contains a balance of various bacteria. In a healthy vagina, lactobacilli are the predominant bacteria, and they help maintain the normal, acidic pH of the vagina.
* A normal vaginal pH
The vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, as the acidic pH is caused by the presence of lactobacilli bacteria, which secrete hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid.
The pH of the vagina may change,
* It is often higher than 4.5 after menopause or before menstruation begins.
* It is less than 4.5 during the reproductive years.
Did you know? A high-fat diet might increase your vaginal pH… [According to an old 2007 study].
As mentioned earlier, the keto diet supports eating foods high in fat, such as meat, poultry, dairy products, cheese, fatty fish, and animal products.
* But talking about the negatives of eating these foods does not end, as they can have an effect on the bacterial balance in the vagina, and thus may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Symptoms of keto crotch include strong vaginal odor (similar to the smell of rotten fish) and white discharge. However, these symptoms may indicate bacterial vaginosis.
* The symptoms of BV include:
- Increase the amount of natural secretions.
- a strong, fishy odor.
- Abnormal pain during menstruation.
- Inflammation – redness and swelling inside the vagina
- Itching.
- Burning urination.
Note: These symptoms may be worse after sexual intercourse or after your period. “Fishy” – you may also notice a grey or yellowish vaginal discharge.
After discovering these symptoms, some people may notice that the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are similar to those of Keto Crotch.
But be aware, there is not enough research to determine if the cause of “keto crotch” is the keto diet.
Causes of bacterial vaginosis
* Is Keto Crotch Really a Side Effect of the Ketogenic Diet?
Honestly, there is still no scientific investigation on Keto Crotch … (No known reason).
* However, many causes lead to vaginal infections, the most common cause is germs, and other reasons that may cause a change in a typical vaginal pH are:
- Semen.
- Sexual contact, especially when you have multiple partners.
- douching (excessive washing and cleaning of the sensitive area daily).
- Hormonal changes triggered by things such as pregnancy, menopause.
- Use soap or scented materials to wash and clean the intimate area.
- Using an intrauterine device (IUD).
- Chemical irritants caused by deodorants or detergents.
- Cleaning underwear (with strong detergents).
- Humid and hot conditions that occur due to wearing tight clothes…
- The decreased immune response that occurs due to diseases such as diabetes and other conditions that can make the immune system decline.
- Smoking.
- Heavy menstruation, or a period that is longer than normal.
Note: Sometimes the causes may not be apparent, so we recommend that you consult your doctor to find the cause and act accordingly.
What do people say about the so-called keto crotch?
*A member of this community wrote (r/xxketo!) on Reddit- About the keto diet and vaginal odour changes ?? (keto crotch)
There was a great interaction with the question by many people who say they went through the same thing (keto crotch).
* Some people’s comments – About keto crotch,
Comment – 1: Oh boy, yes. During the first few months, there was some extra smell stuff happening all over – crotch and otherwise…
Comment – 2: Keto crotch is my bane. 4 months and it is still around…
Comment – 3: I’m glad this was posted because I just changed my underwear AGAIN today because I smelled gross…
Tips for Treating Bacterial Vaginosis – keto crotch
- Avoid bathing in hot tubs.
- Keep your genital area clean and dry.
- Avoid using disinfectants in the shower.
- Avoid smoking.
- Do not wear tight clothes.
- You should – Wipe in a front-to-back motion, from the vagina to the anus.
* Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with prescription medications in the form of gels, creams, and pills. (Note that these medications must be prescribed by your doctor)
* Antibiotics are also prescribed to stop the growth of harmful bacteria, such as clindamycin or metronidazole. (Both of these antibiotics are effective for more than 90% of people.)
Note: Antibiotics are generally good. However, antibiotic use may cause a vaginal yeast infection, which is characterized by redness, itching, and thick secretions.
* Benefits of probiotics in bacterial vaginosis,
Using probiotics may also help reduce the risk of vaginitis recurring. Probiotics work by restoring the balance between the good and bad bacteria in the gut and vagina.
* Vitamin C can help relieve bacterial vaginosis by lowering the vaginal pH and preventing vaginal irritation.
Final recommendation: Keto Crotch
Many reasons lead to bacterial vaginosis, but if it comes to “keto crotch”, so far there is no evidence to confirm that “keto crotch” is one of the annoying side effects of the keto diet.
We advise you, madam, to take good care of yourself, to maintain your internal cleanliness daily, and to avoid all causes that may lead to all these annoying symptoms – keto crotch.
It is recommended that you see a doctor as soon as you feel any symptoms related to vaginitis. – keto crotch
* Thanks a lot, because you’re done reading if you’ve ever experienced any of these aforementioned symptoms – we hope that you share your experience with us so that we can discuss it together.